The Tribune

By Deidre Bastian

Ah, Valentine’s Day. The one day of the year when we’re supposed to show our one-and-only how much we love and adore them. Being in love is a wonderful feeling, which harvests such a powerful emotion. And you just might agree that “Love is not finding someone to live with; it’s finding someone you can’t live without”.

The clock is ticking as Valentine’s Day is only a few blinks away. I particularly adore the display of hearts, cupids and Valentine inspirations adorned on street corners.

Be that as it may, most of us have a special someone we wish to give a gift to. If so, be certain to choose the appropriate one without guessing. Last Sunday, my Pastor said: “If you mistakenly guess, you will definitely be using the guest room.” For some, he might be right. Nonetheless, using the older folk’s genre: “Are you ‘in liking’ with anyone?

You mean dating? Yes, dating, which is defined as “the pursuit of a mate to love”. If you are, you might inquire of their profession. If the reply is: “Umm, I am a Graphic Designer”, should you run for the hills or continue your pursuit?

I would advise the latter, as you may finally be taught how to use Photoshop properly. Praise God!

I’ll share with you some wonderful things you might not know about the engineering minds of designers before falling prey. Here goes:

• They have a great knack for the deeper meaning of life.
• Enjoys the present moment, but is usually reflective
• They know all the tricks for reducing file sizes and sending them speedily.
• They get bored easily and neglect the routine aspects of life.
• They are analytical and can tell when you’re lying or pretending to be happy.
• They don’t mind snapping your picture repeatedly to get the right shot.
• They will manage to make your problems sound exciting; you’ll wish you had them all of the time.
• They can understand your doctors’ handwriting
• They’ll never tell you that you look fat in jeans. Instead they’ll say: “Those jeans don’t suit your well-rounded personality.
• They have a unique ability to analyse every conversation in layers.
• They dislike theory or impersonal analysis.
• If you’re buying books for them, choose the cover designer carefully.
• You marry their career.
• They will buy weird stuff because they like the packaging.
• They will linger behind after a movie to view the full list of credits.
• You will always get free portraits.
• Your Power Point Presentations will never be the same.
• You would always get invited to upcoming art events.
• They’ll never run out of creative ways to compliment you.
• They secretly prefer analysing the paisley pattern on your outfit than listening to what you have to say.
• They will fill your home with computer graphic magazines.
• You will never know if it is really an original or a copy.
• They will lovingly design collages with your and their photos.
• They will ask your opinion about everything, but they do whatever they want.
• They won’t throw away any packaging with elegant letter forms.
• You will hear ALL about how they felt like throwing their client out of the window.
• Designers are popular and everyone loves them, especially if they offer pro bona work.
• Your children will have strange names.
• When you get married, you will have the nicest wedding invitations. Ever
• You cannot decorate the house without consulting them.
• They are so into street posters and signs.
• Everything becomes something other than what it really is:
• They are mentally quick and able to see possibilities.
• Museums are their second home.
• They cannot go into a restaurant, wedding, seminar or conference without secretly critiquing the design.
• They spend hours in the computer store
• You will never understand their gifts.
• You might wake up in the middle of the night hearing them scream: “Oh my gosh, when is the deadline?”
• They dream of the day nobody will make a single change to their designs.
• They would rather pay for a font program than a cheese burger.
• They are always sleepy because they work 24/7.
• They are night owls.

Overall, dating a designer means being surprised by their creativity and sense of wonder at all times. Take care of your heart and may Valentine’s Day be special and filled with love; especially with those you hold dear. So, until we meet again, fill your life with good memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game!

• NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com. ABOUT COLUMNIST: Ms Bastian is a professionally trained graphic designer who has qualifications of M.Sc., B.Sc., A.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova Southeastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.